Helicopter called to help break up graduation party near Syracuse

A graduation party in suburban Syracuse got so big and rowdy that Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies called in the county's helicopter to help break it up.

A graduation party in suburban Syracuse got so big and rowdy that Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies called in the county's helicopter to help break it up.

Deputy Herb Wiggins tells the Syracuse Post-Standard that police were called to an out-of-control party shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday in Pompey. They found an estimated 500 to 700 people crammed into a back yard.

Deputies called for aerial assistance, and the helicopter hovered overhead, shining a spotlight as deputies sent people on their way. Town and state police also helped.

Wiggins says 23-year-old Gregory York told deputies his parents had given him permission to host the graduation party. But when deputies reached his out-of-town mother later by phone, she said he hadn't approved any party.